US giant buys baby food group in drive for global expansion

Ella’s Kitchen was founded by Sheffield-based entrepreneur Paul Lindley in 2006 and it now has 19 per cent of the UK baby food market.

Hain Celestial is best known for its Earth’s Best brand of organic infant foods, sold in North America and Europe.

Ella’s Kitchen will retain its UK base.

Mr Lindley launched the business to create a new generation of baby and children’s food that was healthy and fun for children.

The brand now has a 19 per cent share of the UK baby food market and has distribution in the US and 13 other countries.

Ella’s Kitchen was the first company to create a premium baby food category by making baby food in flexible pouches.

Ella’s Kitchen and Earth’s Best both specialise in high quality, organic products for babies and children.

Hain Celestial plans to expand the brands’ global presence, maintaining both brand names.

Mr Lindley will serve as the CEO of Hain Celestial’s Global Infant, Toddler & Kids Division.

He will be responsible for two teams in the UK and US.

Irwin D. Simon, founder, president and CEO of Hain Celestial, said: “We are very excited by the strategic acquisition of Ella’s Kitchen, which complements our Earth’s Best line of infant, toddler and kids products.”

Earth’s Best has expanded the brand from sales of less than $15m (£10m) in 1999 to over $150m (£100m) today.

It sells baby food in jars, pouches, formula, cereal, smoothies, snacks, soups, meals, and also sells nappies, wipes and personal care products. Ella’s Kitchen launched internationally in 2009.